Dumping Grounds: Panchkula's neglected construction waste crisis

Residents in Panchkula are in turmoil over the excess of construction and demolition waste pilling up in vacant areas across the region. The Municipal Corporation appears to have turned a blind eye to the violations, resulting in violators enjoying a free rein. As a result, the city has transformed to appear completely ruined in certain areas thanks to large heaps of debris and waste.

In February this year, the Panchkula Municipal Corporation has passed a resolution to charge a fine of Rs 5,000/- on individuals and entities dumping construction waste in residential and commercial areas. It also offered builders and developers a designated area to dispose of their waste at a cost of Rs 2,000/- However, it appears as though nobody has really taken up its offer. Further, sources have criticised the municipal body for not issuing a challan on collecting payments for the disposal site, creating mistrust amongst those involved.

Residents of Sector 5 are distraught that construction waste is being dumped in the heart of the city. This waste is being disposed of in areas such as empty playgrounds, parking lots, hotel sites, thereby encroaching upon public infrastructure while diminishing the aesthetic value of the surroundings. Residents of Sector 3 lament of waste being disposed near the Ghaggar river. Many believe in the increase in construction and demolition waste is largely a result of the recent decision of the state government to allow construction of more than four stories in buildings.

The apathy displayed by the municipal body coupled with a severe lack of action against violators has done much to cause dissent amongst locals. They believe the civic body is not fulfilling its duties towards the citizens and holding violators accountable.

The PMC does not currently have a formal process in place to process construction and demolition waste. It just uses vacant areas under the control of the Haryana Urban Development Authority to dump the waste. There were rumours of the civic body planning to construct a brick manufacturing plant in Jaswantgarh Village that would recycle the construction and demolition waste, however nothing appears to have materialised. Some say a private firm will soon be hired to collect, transport, process and recycle this waste and that the civic body intends to begin issuing challans soon.

As Panchkula grapples with the overwhelming presence of construction and demolition waste, the lack of enforcement and accountability from the Municipal Corporation has further fuelled the problem. The city's once-charming areas are now marred by heaps of debris, encroaching upon public infrastructure and eroding the aesthetic value of the surroundings. Residents are left disheartened and disillusioned, as the civic body fails to fulfil its duties towards the citizens. The urgent need for a formal waste processing system and decisive action against violators remains unaddressed, leaving the future of Panchkula's environment and liveability in jeopardy.

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Dumping Grounds: Panchkula's neglected construction waste crisis

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